David Nalbandian wary of Swedish threat

General / Editor / 04 April 2007 / Leave a Comment

Argentina star David Nalbandian feels this weekend's Davis Cup tie in Sweden will be a tough match and last year's 5-0 whitewash will have no bearing on the result.

The South Americans eased past the Swedes without dropping a rubber en route to the final last term, where they lost 3-2 to Russia in an epic encounter in Moscow back in December.

However, the weekend clash is in Gothenburg and the Swedes will fancy their chances of gaining revenge after last year's mauling with the likes of Robin Soderling, Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Johansson in their ranks.

Argentina will have the red-hot Guillermo Canas in their side, fresh from his two victories over world number one Roger Federer and will be full of confidence ahead of the quarter-final clash.

But Nalbandian is taking nothing for granted and is not looking too far ahead as they attempt to go one better than last year and win the prestigious competition for the first time in their history.

"If we win, then we'll play at home, so we can think about the future," he said. "But this tie will not be easy because Sweden have vastly experienced players in both Davis Cup and on the ATP circuit.

"The hosts have more in their favour than the visitors, but we also have a very good team. When you play for your country, your performance is always better."

The Argentinians are the 1.62 favourites to emerge victorious from the Gothenburg Convention Centre, with Sweden trading at 2.3.

Nalbandian and co are also the 4.1 favourites to win the Davis Cup, with Sweden available at 20.